Every September, National Mortgage Professional Month recognizes the professionals who play a role in helping people finance the dream of homeownership.
Since 2011, home sales in the United States have steadily grown, meaning each year more and more people are buying a home. Whether it’s a first home or the next home, mortgage professions understand how exciting and stressful the process can be. A mortgage professional takes on the task of making sure everything is in place by closing day. They may be loan officers, processors, underwriters, servicers, insurers, or other mortgage professionals, but all of them work hard to make your home loan a reality.
Their varied roles may include:
Reviewing loan applications
Verifying credit
Processing loan applications
Appraising the property
Examining the title
Verifying the purchase price, annual percentage rate, and term of the loan
Preparing the loan
Most people are not aware of the number of people and amount of work involved between the moment someone decides to buy a home and the day the final contracts are signed.
NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL MONTH HISTORY
In 2015, United Guaranty founded National Mortgage Professional Month to honor all mortgage professionals.
HOW TO OBSERVE #MortgageProfessionalMonth
During September, give a mortgage professional you know a shout-out. Recommend them to someone who is looking for a new home. Let them know you appreciate all they do to help people achieve homeownership. If you’re considering purchasing a home, learn about the process and what to expect.
Use #MortgageProfessionalMonth to share on social media.
Send them off to school in style, with everything they need to make the grade. Check with your local school for exact quantities. In our county the quantities differ quite a bit depending on the school.
August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.
One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.
As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.
In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.
August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.
Famous birthdays in August: – August 4 — Barack Obama – August 4 — Meghan Markle – August 5 — Neil Armstrong – August 6 — Lucille Ball – August 7 — Charlize Theron – August 9 — Whitney Houston – August 11 — Chris Hemsworth – August 16 — Madonna – August 17 — Robert De Niro – August 23 — Kobe Bryant – August 29 — Michael Jackson
Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.
Everything comes into focus on June 29th each year when we recognize National Camera Day. The day commemorates photographs, the camera, and their invention. A camera is an irreplaceable tool used to record and replicate memories, events, and people/places. Before the invention of the camera, the only resource to document a vision was a painting. Capturing an image of a person or place in a drawing took time and skill. Very few people can perfectly draw the likeness of someone, let alone capture the essence of an event.
The power of a camera provided many with a simple, inexpensive, and fast solution. George Eastman, also known as “The Father of Photography,” brought the camera to the masses. While he did not invent the camera, he did develop many additions improving the use, ease, and production of the camera. His developments made the camera widely available to homes around the world.
While the first cameras were large and bulky, each later design evolved until some cameras were as small as a pen. Today’s digital cameras have many features and variations, making them appealing to people of all ages for personal and professional use. The portable and easy-to-use features not only allow us to take photos quickly, but we can also edit them on the fly. Smartphones with built-in cameras include features that allow us to share photos instantly, too.
Taking photos has become so easy. According to Business Insider, in 2017, we took over 1.2 trillion digital photos! From a large boxy camera to one that fits in our pocket, cameras have come a long way.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CAMERA DAY
Whether photography is a hobby or your profession, celebrate the day by taking photos. Snap a picture of something or someone you enjoy and cherish the memory. But taking pictures isn’t the only way to celebrate.
Mark your calendars: Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 21st. While Mother’s Day had an earlier official start, the journey to honor dads is a fascinating story of determination, love, and a little bit of stubbornness. The modern celebration owes its existence to Sonora Smart Dodd, who was raised by a single father in Washington state. After hearing a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, she argued that fathers deserved equal recognition. The first official Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, but it took decades—and a push from President Richard Nixon—to finally make it a permanent national holiday in 1972. Unlike the flowers and frills of May, Father’s Day was born from a quiet, rugged appreciation for the men who show up every single day.
The Qualities That Define Great Fathers What makes a dad truly memorable? While every father is unique, certain timeless qualities rise to the top. First is steadfastness—the ability to be a calm anchor in a stormy world. Great fathers also embody selflessness, often putting their family’s needs quietly ahead of their own, from working late shifts to giving up the last slice of pizza. Another key trait is guidance, not through lectures, but through showing integrity, resilience, and humor in everyday life. Finally, the best dads offer unconditional support; they are the ones in the bleachers, at the graduation, or on the other end of the phone at 2 AM. These qualities don’t require perfection—just presence.
The 14th is the third Sunday in June 2026, plan a full day for something special. Start with a classic breakfast in bed (or at the kitchen table) featuring his favorites—bacon, pancakes, and strong coffee. Because 2026 is also a World Cup year (the tournament runs through mid-July), consider planning an afternoon viewing party for a match, complete with his preferred snacks and a cold drink. If sports aren’t his thing, organize a no-fuss BBQ or backyard fire pit where the whole family can gather. The key is to remove stress: handle the cooking, cleanup, and logistics so he can simply relax and enjoy the company.
Meaningful Gifts That Go Beyond Another Tie This year, think about gifts that align with his hobbies or create future memories. For the handyman dad, a customized tool organizer or a high-quality multi-tool is both practical and thoughtful. For the foodie father, a subscription to a gourmet spice or hot sauce club keeps giving long after June 14th. However, the most impactful gifts are often experiences: book a half-day fishing trip, buy tickets to a local car show, or simply give a handwritten letter detailing your favorite memories together. Research shows that experiential gifts and personal notes are remembered far longer than any store-bought gadget.
Don’t Forget the Long-Distance Dad If you can’t be there in person on June 14, 2026, technology makes distance feel smaller. Schedule a coordinated video call where everyone logs in at the same time for a virtual toast. Consider using a meal delivery service to send his favorite restaurant dinner right to his door, then eat “together” over video. Another creative idea is a digital photo frame you can update remotely with new family pictures throughout the day. Even a simple, well-timed text or voice memo saying “I was thinking of you” can mean the world to a dad who misses you.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating the Everyday Hero Father’s Day isn’t about grand gestures or expensive presents. It’s about pausing to recognize the man who taught you how to ride a bike, fix a leaky faucet, or laugh at your own mistakes. As you prepare for June 14, 2026, remember that the best celebration mirrors the best fathers: genuine, warm, and a little bit playful. Whether you’re grilling burgers, watching a soccer match, or simply sitting on the porch together, your attention and gratitude are the real gifts. So go ahead—mark your calendar, pick up the phone, and tell him exactly why he matters. He’s earned it.
Share your favorite memory, pictures and more to social media. Use #Father’sDay to show how much you appreciate him to the world.
